The Pruning of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers
(Second edition, revised and enlarged by Tony Kirkham)

a book by George E. Brown and Tony Kirkham

New foreword by Roy Lancaster

How, when, and where to prune? The questions that beset every gardener never change, but the solutions do. The Pruning of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers has always recommended the best possible pruning techniques and practices to gardeners. Now thoroughly revised and substantially expanded by Tony Kirkham, George Brown’s classic work will continue to be trusted and respected as the essential pruning reference for years to come. With more than 50 new photographs illustrating key pruning points, this manageable, easy-to-use reference is more practical than ever.

Media reviews of this book:

“Thanks to the meticulous work and effort made by the author originally and in the last revision, useful information, particularly regarding each species, can be found in this book.”

—Francesco Ferrini, Advances in Horticultural Science, n. 4 2004

“For those wondering what to do with an overgrown azalea, camellia or oak, this is the guide.”

—Lawrence Looks at Books, August 2004

"This book is masterfully written and is a ‘sophisticated’ treatise on an important subject."

—George Graine, VMGA Report, January 2005

“Like any good textbook, Kirkham’s revision of Brown’s 1972 text on pruning is one the student will keep and refer to repeatedly as an easy to use reference.”

—Linda J. Brewer, College of Agricultural Science

“It’s a classic.”

—Petra McClean, The Plant Master, October-September 2004

Publishing details:

Hardcover, 340 pages, 48 color photos, 5 b&w photos, 55 line drawings, 3 tables

©2004, Timber Press, ISBN 0-88192-613-2

An excerpt from this book:

It may also help if a few growths are pegged down or tied in position, especially during the early years. This serves to emphasize the point that even in a wild setting, some work is occasionally of benefit if the best results are to be obtained.

About George Brown

George E. Brown (1917–1980) earned his diploma in horticulture at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. He returned to Kew in 1956 as an assistant curator. A founding member of the Arboricultural Association, he soon became a recognized authority on trees and shrubs.

About Tony Kirkham

Tony Kirkham is Head of the Arboretum and Horticultural Services at the Royal Botanic Garden, Kew, where he cares for the existing heritage landscape and woody plant collections and maintains the integrity and development of the living scientific plant collections.

Ordering information:

The Pruning of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers (Second edition, revised and enlarged by Tony Kirkham) (Hardcover) (B-023)
Each $29.95
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